[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Vision Zero is an ambitious plan to prevent all traffic fatalities and serious injuries worldwide.\u00a0 Vision Zero has had an impact on reducing traffic deaths, and especially pedestrian deaths, in some cities and countries across the United States and Europe.\u00a0 Sweden, the first country to implement Vision Zero, has seen a 30 percent reduction in fatalities since changing policies in 1997.\u00a0 New York City has pursued Vision Zero plans since 2014 and has reduced traffic deaths about 20 percent since then.\u00a0 San Francisco has also seen reduced fatalities.\u00a0 Los Angeles, however, tells a very different story.<\/p>\n
Since joining the Vision Zero project, Los Angeles has seen an increase<\/em> in traffic fatalities of about 30 percent.\u00a0 It’s not known exactly why this has happened, though certain theories include more drivers on the road, larger vehicles on the road, distracted driving\/walking, and even increased speed limits<\/a> on some city streets.\u00a0 While no one factor may be causing the increase, it’s still a bit confusing.\u00a0 Los Angeles has spent millions of dollars implementing recommendations, including dedicated bike lanes, pedestrian scrambles, and curb extensions.\u00a0 As improvements continue, it remains to be seen if patience will pay off.<\/p>\n